Episode 3 of The Penguin brings us deeper into the murky underworld of Gotham, showcasing the evolving dynamics between Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell) and his associates. The episode, titled Bliss, sees Oz continuing his rise to power while dealing with crime families and their internal disputes. The show excels in balancing its gritty crime drama roots with the grounded realism of Matt Reeves’ The Batman. The pacing is slower compared to previous episodes, but it serves to flesh out Vic (Rhenzy Feliz), who plays a more significant role alongside Oz. Farrell and Cristin Milioti as Sofia maintain a tense yet compelling partnership, providing much of the episode’s tension. The episode builds upon established storylines while introducing new conflicts, setting up exciting developments for the future​.

The Penguin Episode 3 Review (Spoilers Ahead)

In Bliss, we get a deeper look into Vic’s backstory, beginning with a glimpse of his life before joining Oswald. The episode cleverly follows Vic’s perspective at key moments, which helps solidify his place in the broader story. The opening sequence, showing Vic’s life disrupted by the floods from The Batman, is a poignant moment, giving a personal touch to his motivations.

The central focus of the episode is the growing alliance between Oz and Sofia, who aim to distribute the dangerous drug “Bliss” through Gotham’s Triads. The narrative skillfully integrates real-world crime elements like the Triads, enhancing the show’s grounded tone. One of the episode’s highlights is a tense confrontation at a restaurant where Oz, in a rare show of compassion, insists that Vic be treated with respect. While this scene could have stood on its own, Oz’s subsequent monologue feels heavy-handed, rehashing themes already explored in earlier episodes​.

Farrell’s performance as the calculating yet volatile Oswald remains stellar, but it’s Vic who shines in this episode. His internal conflict between leaving the criminal world or fully embracing it adds depth to his character, making his journey feel more personal and relatable. The relationship between Oz and Sofia continues to evolve, and while they don’t trust each other fully, their alliance against their common enemies—the Falcone family—adds another layer of intrigue.

Another standout moment involves a blackmail scheme targeting Johnny Vitti, Luca’s right-hand man. This subplot brings much-needed levity and wit, as Oz and Sofia outmaneuver their enemies while playing the long game. The B-plot contrasts well with Vic’s personal struggle, providing a well-rounded narrative structure for the episode​.

As the episode concludes, we see Oz and Vic flee from a crime scene in Oz’s iconic purple car, a thrilling moment that symbolizes Vic’s deeper entanglement in Gotham’s underworld. However, The Penguin continues to grapple with its identity, borrowing heavily from other gangster dramas without fully finding its own voice. Still, the rich character dynamics and plot twists make for engaging viewing, setting the stage for even more complex conflicts in upcoming episodes​

Overall, while Bliss stumbles at times with its pacing and overly explicit dialogue, it remains a strong addition to the series, successfully blending crime drama with the rich lore of Gotham.